Chapter 3Surviving The Plot As The Country Girl

To protect my newfound wealth, I drafted a comprehensive rescue plan.

Step one: Sever Serena’s toxic crush on the male lead, preventing her from ever triggering the female lead's wrath.

Shortly after my arrival, the family enrolled me in Serena’s elite private school, St. Jude’s Academy.

On my first morning, I stepped out the front door just as Preston’s Range Rover was pulling out of the driveway.

I sprinted across the gravel, cutting right in front of the hood. "Hey, hold your horses! I’m not in yet!"

Preston rolled down the window, his jaw clenched. "I told you. I only have one sister."

"Don't worry, I won't call you my brother," I said, looking perfectly reasonable. "Where I'm from, calling a guy 'brother' when you aren't related usually means he's either in a cult or a motorcycle gang..."

"It’s fine, Preston," Serena murmured from the passenger seat, tugging at his sleeve. "She just got here from the country. It’s natural she wants to ride with us."

And just like that, I was in the backseat.

I unzipped my backpack and pulled out a foil-wrapped, greasy sausage and pepper hero I’d scored from the estate’s groundskeeper. I took a massive bite. Instantly, the heavy, pungent smell of fried onions and meat filled the leather interior.

Preston slammed on the brakes, turning around to glare at me, his voice shaking. "What in God's name are you eating?!"

"Hector’s secret recipe. It’s a masterpiece." I generously tore off a piece and held it out. "You want some? I share."

Normally, billionaire heirs didn't eat breakfast like this. But since the kitchen staff kept conveniently "forgetting" to prepare a plate for me, I’d befriended Hector the groundskeeper.

"I’m telling you, it’s incredible. You want a bite, Preston?"

His face darkened like a thundercloud. "Have you no manners? Who gave you permission to use my first name?"

I blinked, eyes wide. "You just told me not to call you brother!"

"...From now on, I permit it."

"Awesome." I chewed happily. "So, you want a bite of the sandwich, brother?"

"EAT IT YOURSELF!"

Preston rolled down all four windows to air out the car.

Beside him, Serena began to dab at her eyes. "Oh my god... Preston isn't just my brother anymore..."

Preston pressed his lips into a thin line, ignoring her tears, and slammed his foot on the gas.

I leaned forward and patted her shoulder. "Hey, look on the bright side. Now you have a sister, too."

Serena cried even harder.